Derez De’Shon shares new heartfelt single “Abandoned”

Derez De’Shon, has just shared his newest single “Abandoned“. The track is an honest confessional about the feelings surrounding loss and mourning. The understated instrumentation on the song is a perfect backdrop for Derez to deliver heartfelt lyrics and finely-tuned melodies. On “Abandoned”, Derez reflects on the complicated emotions surrounding loss and mourning, delivering a track that is expertly introspective and hauntingly transparent. LISTEN

Though the topics brought up in “Abandoned” are complicated and layered, Derez is able to communicate his unique perspective in a way that is relatable and straightforward. Through his gripping vocals and genuine bars, Derez is able to concoct an earnest song only an artist of his caliber could create. Today, Derez also performed the song in a session on From Da Block, showing first-hand the passion that went into crafting the song. Time and time again, Derez has proved he is truly “the Godfather of Pain Rap”, and on “Abandoned” his claim to that title only grows stronger.
Derez De’Shon recently penned “Bitter (Narration by Cardi B)” for Summer Walker, the opener off of her critically acclaimed, chart-topping LP, Still Over It. While they were together, Derez worked hand-in-hand with Summer and London to conjure up the intimate and soulful lyrics which lent to the introspective tracks’ Billboard Hot 100 debut at #25. Earlier, in October, Derez released his single “All Them Days” with XXL 2021 FreshmanMorray, a track that found two generations of struggle music coming together for a smooth collaboration. This followed two other momentum-building singles this year, “In My Feelings” and “Residue”(feat. Money Mu). Derez is proud of what he’s been able to accomplish as an independent artist, having completely transformed his career and lifestyle by leaving behind the many trapping of street life. This is a topic he recently discussed in an interview with SayCheeseTV where he also detailed his relationship with Atlanta icon Ralo, his feelings towards being compared to Rod Wave, and the lessons he’s learned from his missteps at the beginning of his career. After 800 million combined streams, a Platinum plaque, and helming a loyal audience––Derez De’Shon is seeing the fruits of his labor in real-time and is ready for us to see the next chapter of his prosperous career with the release of his forthcoming album.

“I’m really a person who is something that came from nothing, and I live my life like that,” admits Derez De’Shon. Despite gold plaques and nearly a billion streams earned over the last several years, the Atlanta artist and songwriter insists on remaining the person he was before the fanfare. “I’m not in a bubble; I’m in reality.’’ Million of fans relate to Derez because his lyrics mirror their daily lives and innermost thoughts and emotions. No matter how he chooses to deliver the message, Derez maintains, “I’m just confessing my life. I make confessional music.”

Derez grew up in Clayton County, a part of Metro Atlanta. By the late 2000s and early 2010s, Derez began grabbing attention as a hard-nosed rapper who went by D-Bo. He formed a duo with Slim Dunkin and co-founded Dirt Gang. He appeared on songs alongside Tyler, The Creator and Meek Mill and was featured on Waka Flocka Flame projects. However, after Slim Dunkin was murdered in 2011, De’Shon retreated to process the loss—just one of many in his life. After some time away, Derez returned with greater purpose. “I felt like I had to do music. Those people not here deserved it, given how much they believed in me and wanted to see me be who I am today. I felt like if I gave up, then I would be letting them down.” This time, the artist used his given name and made the music just as personal.

In 2017, Derez marked his return with his mixtape entitled Pain. “Hardaway” became a gold-certified song about finding success through hardship and eventually 2 Chainz and Yo Gotti appeared on a remix. After the releases of Pain 2 & Pain 3, Derez is demonstrating more range. “Music has more than one category. There are sad times, happy times, intimate times, and I want to display all that,” he says. “This will be the first time that I have this much creative control over what I do. I never signed a deal, but I did partnerships with two companies, and they always had their input.” Beginning with 2021’s “In My Feelings”, Derez is now steering the narrative “I’m not a rapper or an R&B singer; I am an artist who creates music.”

As a creator, Derez has always drawn inspiration from real life. The father of four daughters and one son is passionate about his family, even beyond his household. Founding organizations dedicated to mentoring kids and providing to those in need, Derez is focused on more than himself. “Whatever helps people, I’m on that type of time,” he asserts. “The pain, the struggle, the lessons, the losses, the wins, the sacrifice, the hurt, and all that I’ve been through is bigger than me.” “All Them Days” (feat. Morray) is an example of Derez courageously connecting his present to his past for all to hear. Meanwhile, “Residue” featuring East ATL’s Money Mu, channels the hungry rapping from the D-Bo days. At his latest pinnacle, Derez De’Shon is still climbing—and he is carrying others with him through inspiration and elevation. “I’m steadily trying to grow and constantly be better.”